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You’ve recently given birth, and are unhappy with the appearance of your body. Perhaps you feel that there are specific areas that have been left untouched and unbalanced by the process of childbirth. You may feel self-conscious about being seen in public or intimate situations with your partner. We got you covered with a tummy tuck quiz to help you find out if you really need a tummy tuck.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an umbilicoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the stomach area. It’s one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States, with over 200,000 procedures performed each year.
It is generally performed on people who have excess skin, large scars, and/or fat deposits in the lower abdominal area as a result of previous surgery, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. The procedure is done by making small incisions near the belly button, and then removing the excess skin and fat that has settled in the lower abdominal area. This helps to create a more proportioned, symmetrical look, and can positively impact one’s self-esteem and self-confidence. A tummy tuck can be paired with other cosmetic surgeries, such as a breast lift, to achieve a more complete look.
A tummy tuck is generally performed under general anesthesia and may result in some swelling and bruising following the procedure.
Is a tummy tuck right for you?
A tummy tuck is right for you if you want to correct the appearance of your lower abdominal area. You may feel that the extra skin and fat deposits following pregnancy or weight fluctuations are making you look less attractive, or negatively impacting your self-confidence.
A tummy tuck is a highly effective procedure that can help you regain your pre-pregnancy body confidence. To determine if a tummy tuck is right for you, try our should I get a tummy tuck quiz at the top of the page.
You may also want to consult with a mental health professional to help you deal with any anxieties or insecurities you may be experiencing so that you can make an informed decision about which cosmetic treatment is best for you.
How much is a tummy tuck?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average tummy tuck costs $6,154. The tummy tuck's standard fee may range from $5,000 to $10,000. After the assessment, the doctor will tell you how much it will cost.
How to get a tummy tuck paid for by insurance
Prior to covering these procedures, most insurance companies require documentation of all attempts to find reasonable alternatives, as well as a second opinion from an outside physician.
Because it is not always medically necessary, abdominoplasty is often purely cosmetic. Even though you may have skin irritation or an infection, your insurance company may not always cover the procedure. Your insurance company may cover part of the cost of the procedure, but not everything.
Timing of your tummy tuck procedure
If you've taken our "Should I get a tummy tuck quiz" and gotten the result which tells you to get a tummy tuck, you’ll need to consider when to schedule the surgery.
A tummy tuck can be performed at any stage of life, but ideally should be performed within 6 months of the end of a pregnancy, and no sooner than 6 weeks after the baby is born. This allows for ample healing time between procedures and allows you to recover fully from childbirth before undergoing another surgery.
You should also be in good general health and have a stable weight. It’s also important to note that you’ll need to take precautions to ensure you’re not pregnant. A pregnancy test should be administered at least 2 weeks before your procedure, and your doctor will likely recommend you take contraceptive measures during this time.
Recovery time and side effects
Your tummy tuck recovery will depend on the individual circumstances surrounding your procedure. In general, you can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling following your surgery. You may be prescribed pain medication to help manage your discomfort, and will probably need to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and speed up your healing time. You’ll likely need to refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks following your surgery. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully, and pay close attention to your body’s reaction to the surgery. You should watch out for signs of infection, such as excessive pain or swelling, abnormal discharge from your incisions, or a high fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Our tummy tuck quiz is a helpful tool to guide you in the right direction. It asks you relevant questions and questions you might not have thought about before.
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, it’s important to take your time in making a decision. Take the time to discuss your concerns and expectations with a qualified plastic surgeon, and make sure you feel comfortable with them before booking your surgery.
That being said, a tummy tuck can be a great procedure for correcting the appearance of your lower abdominal area and helping you regain your pre-pregnancy body confidence. It’s important to note that a tummy tuck can only correct issues related to excess fat and skin. If you’re experiencing other issues, such as excess fat due to weight fluctuations, diet and exercise may be the best solution.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic